When Glenn Hills’ football game against Therrell was canceled just hours before kickoff last Friday after the Spartans had a positive COVID case within the program, Richmond Academy coach Lyle Burns didn’t waste any time looking for a replacement opponent.
Richmond Academy, originally slated to play Glenn Hills this week, had already missed a game after scheduled season-opening opponent Hancock Central forfeited, so Burns didn’t intend on missing a second-straight week.
“We started looking right then,” Burns said of urgently looking for a replacement game. “There wasn’t very many until that time. And even yesterday, until the evening time, there wasn’t many people available. Everybody is looking for something fairly close, or something that they’re going to get a good gauge so it’s a little harder than it seems to find a game that works for you.”
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By Monday afternoon, Augusta Christian was looking for a new opponent too, after Fox Creek had to cancel this Friday due to COVID issues within the program.
Now, Augusta Christian will travel to Richmond County Friday, giving both teams what each needed: a new opponent and a good test.
“We really had to play this week and got really fortunate that somebody close to us was in the same situation,” Burns said. “They’re very good. We’re going to have to play very well and be fortunate to win. That’s just what it is. We’re just happy we’re getting to play a game.”
Richmond Academy (1-0) is still looking for its first official game after Hancock Central canceled last minute last week due to issues created by lack of equipment. Augusta Christian (1-0) opened its season on Aug. 19 with a win against Johnson (Savannah) to officially kickoff football season in the Augusta-area.
With Augusta Christian renting Lions Memorial Field in North Augusta while its new field surface being installed, a local away game worked out.
Burns says his team can be excited about getting its season officially started.
“I hope they’re excited,” Burns said of his team. “There hasn’t been a whole lot of excitement here lately so I’m kind of hoping it will kind of rejuvenate those guys. Lord knows we need something.”
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